Counselor: A Life at the Edge of History

"Counselor is the memoir of Ted Sorensen, who joined JFK’s staff in early 1953, just as JFK was entering the Senate. He swiftly became Kennedy’s most important aide, a distinction he arguably held right to the end, in November 1963. I argue it was one of the most remarkable partnerships in American political history, as the two men collaborated closely on speeches, on articles, as well as on policy issues. I suggest we can think of them as composer and lyricist, as the Rodgers (JFK) and Hart (Sorensen) of American politics. Support Five Books Five Books interviews are expensive to produce. If you're enjoying this interview, please support us by donating a small amount . Sorensen is really a rare creature in Washington. He’s somebody who helps devise the substance of policy positions and is then able to translate those positions into elegant, concise prose. It’s not that common that one person can perform both of those functions. Sorensen did. This book, Counselor , which he wrote toward the end of his life, provides insights into this remarkable partnership and what made it work so well. Though Sorensen would have a long and productive career after Kennedy’s death, his name would be forever associated with JFK. To an important extent it certainly was. Once we get to the presidency, you can have a pretty interesting argument about who mattered more, on a day-to-day basis, Bobby Kennedy or Sorensen. But the truth is they’re both vital. Kennedy depended on both of them. For the crucial policy choices JFK faced as president, Bobby was often in the room when Ted Sorensen wasn’t. That suggests, as time progresses, Bobby’s influence became greater. But Sorensen remained vital too."